Evaluation of uht milk labeling “zero lactose” marketed in the city of Natal / RN

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the conformity of the general and nutritional labeling of UHT “zero lactose” milks of different brands marketed in supermarkets and hypermarkets in the city of Natal / RN, according to the mandatory requirements established by Brazilian technical standards. The evaluation was carried out through the application of a Check list with 42 recommendations specified by the current Brazilian rules on food labeling, including the rules regarding products of animal origin, due to the type of sample analyzed. Were evaluated the labels of 12 samples of UHT Zero Lactose milk, being 4 whole, 7 semi-skimmed and 1 skimmed. All labels evaluated showed some non-compliance with Brazilian standards, however, samples C, D, J, K and L were the ones with the highest number of non-conformities, with a percentage of 60,8% of total irregularities. It was concluded that, although the regulatory agencies establish rules and norms for the labeling of foods, nonetheless, the non-fulfillment of many of the requirements established by the current legislation is identified.